Stein holding seems easy enough. What’s so hard about holding a liter of beer? Surprisingly, lots of things! It turns out that steinholding is more difficult than it appears, yet it is quickly growing in popularity. But what exactly is stein holding? And just how competitive is this sport? Keep reading for a brief explanation and history of this unusual sport, and answers to some stein holding FAQs.
What is Steinholding?
Otherwise known as “Masskrugstemmen”, stein holding is just what it sounds like: a sport involving holding a liter mug of beer. While this seems like a simple task, keeping your arm parallel to the floor while holding approximately 5.3 pounds by the handle of a beer stein without spilling a drop of beer requires strength, endurance, and the self-control to hold a liter of beer in a cool stein while staring at it and not drinking any of it.
“Masskrugstemmen”? How do you say that?
Pronounced MAHSS-kroog-stem-men, the term “Masskrugstemmen” condenses a lot of information into this single German word. Maß (or Mass) is the amount of beer in a regulation mug; Maßkrug is the official term for the handled drinking vessel in which the beer is contained. In order to be a true beer stein, the vessel must be able to hold a regulation Maß of beer.
What is the History of SteinHolding Competitions?
Although there isn’t much in the way of official records, stein holding competitions are thought to have originated in Bavaria, Germany. The earliest Steins were created between 1525 - 1700, and the U.S. Steinholding Association was started in 2015, so it is safe to say that stein holding competitions began at some point between these dates. In the 1800s and earlier, Maß vacillated by area with some as low as 1.069 liters, and others as high as 1.5 liters. In modern times, Maß is 1 liter (33.8 US fl oz) of beer.
How Serious is Masskrugstemmen?
Like many sports, Masskrugstemmen is as serious as you make it. While there are tons of unofficial stein holding competitions around the world for casual participants, there are also options for serious competitors such as the US Steinholding Association, and HB Masskrugstemmen.
The current U.S. National Stein Holding Record Holders are Michael Tyler with his 2018 performance of 21 minutes and 17 seconds, while Taylor Handy holds the Women’s National Record with her 6 minute and 10 second performance in 2022. It’s rumored that someone once managed 45 minutes and 2 seconds, but so far there doesn’t appear to be any official proof or evidence of this SteinHolding World Record.
Want to try your hand at casual SteinHolding? Join us at Lagers in Lawrence Oktoberfest where you can drink some beer, enter the stein holding competition, and pick up some of our beer soaps to wash off after all of your hard working lifting and drinking beer.